“I found all the videos and pregnancy exercises really useful – the new HSE Health App explains what to do throughout the entire pregnancy, gives specific information related to the trimester you are in, what to expect – and it kept all my appointments in one place too,” according to Hélène Troisannt who shared her experiences of using the newly launched HSE Health App during her second pregnancy at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Mother to three-year-old Aaron and two-month-old Ella, Hélène outlined how she initially got a letter from the HSE inviting her to take part in research for the new app: “I was just four months into my second pregnancy, and thought this is really good, I could have used this for my first. I found it really good – things like if you lose your appointment card it’s not a problem as everything is written down on the app.

“I also had a list of medicine I was taking, which was handy as I can never remember them. Data security and privacy is very important to me as I work in this area in the technology industry. The app to me felt very secure, you access through a fingerprint and through your MyGov ID.” 

The Department of Health and HSE have just launched the first version of the HSE Health App. It is one of the first initiatives delivered as part of Digital for Care, Ireland’s health and social care digital framework. Anyone aged 16 and over can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store. However first phase functionality will be most useful for expectant mothers. 

This first phase functionality allows people to carry a digital list of self-declared medications and see a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme. It allows them to store their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical card, Long-term Illness card (LTI), Drugs Payment Scheme card (DPS) and GP Visit card. It provides access to flu and COVID-19 vaccination records and allows the user to easily find information about HSE services, such as EDs and Injury Units. It further allows those involved to view maternity service appointments (for expectant mothers).

According to HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster, there has been “much progress made in modernising the data capabilities and digital technologies of our health service in recent years. The launch of the first version of the new HSE Health App represents the next step forward in our digital transformation journey, as we seek to harness the power of data and innovation to help improve access to care for patients and enhance efficiencies across services.

“Through utilisation and ongoing development of digital tools, such as the new HSE Health App, we see a future where our patients and the people who care for them are empowered and better informed about their care. I will continue to ensure that we prioritise providing increased access for patients to their data allowing them to interact with our health services to improve their experiences.”

Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer added that “anyone who wishes to, can use the first version of the HSE Health App. This is just the beginning - the app is an evolving programme of work, with new services and features planned each year, including expanding the appointment functionality for all public hospital appointments. This is a challenging undertaking but a key priority to deliver for everyone under our care.The app is one aspect of the digitisation of the health service and a major priority as we face new challenges and ensure we can provide the health service the country needs and deserves.” 

The app development team has consulted with a number of organisations representing disabled people and worked with a Patient Advisory Group to understand the needs of a wide range of individuals. This has ensured their needs are heard and they are involved in the design process. The app has also been tested with users who rely on assistive technology, and audited to ensure it reaches HSE and European standards for accessibility. Work is ongoing with users of the app to identify and implement improvements so new features and functionality can be added.

Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, and the public. For now, the HSE Health App is available in English and Irish - other languages are being explored for future versions. 

A verified MyGovID is needed to access personal health information. If the user does not have a verified MyGovID, they will still be able to use the app to find information about health conditions and HSE services.

For more information see hse.ie/health-app